1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 398 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 600 kg more than 1988 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fairlane. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Fairlane | S |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4089 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 536 HP |
Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 799 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 2230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3165 mm |